What is the Node.js event loop and how does it work?

What is the Node.js event loop and how does it work?

The Node.js event loop is a mechanism that allows Node.js to perform non-blocking I/O operations. It enables asynchronous processing by using a single-threaded model, which means it can handle multiple operations concurrently without waiting for each to complete.

Can you explain how it handles asynchronous operations?

Sure! When an asynchronous operation is initiated, Node.js registers a callback function and continues executing other code. Once the operation completes, the callback is added to the event loop's queue, and it will be executed when the call stack is empty.

What are some common use cases for the event loop?

Common use cases include handling HTTP requests, reading files, and interacting with databases. The event loop allows these operations to run efficiently without blocking the main thread.

How does the event loop differ from traditional threading models?

Unlike traditional threading models that use multiple threads to handle concurrent operations, the event loop uses a single thread and relies on callbacks to manage asynchronous tasks, which reduces overhead and complexity.